Avian flu halts wild bird rehab for the year at the Atlantic Veterinary College
The Atlantic Veterinary College hospital in Prince Edward Island needs to be expanded so it can manage the effects of avian influenza, which are expected to be around for a long time, says a wildlife technician who works at the clinic.
The animal hospital, part of the University of Prince Edward Island, hasn't admitted wild birds since March because of the highly contagious virus, Fiep de Bie said in an interview Wednesday.
"It's been a very strange year," de Bie said. "We are very much missing the (wild) birds."
De Bie said the clinic made the difficult decision in order to protect exotic pets -- like rabbits, parrots and guinea pigs -- that are vulnerable to the highly contagious virus. The hospital space isn't big enough to isolate infected animals, she explained, adding that a bigger space is needed before the clinic can care for wild birds again.
The H5N1 avian flu appeared in Newfoundland and Labrador last December, when it was confirmed at a farm in the St. John's area. Officials said at the time that it was the first case of avian flu detected in Canada since 2015. The disease has since been found in wild birds, occasionally in mammals like foxes, rats and weasels, and on dozens of poultry farms across the country.
The first case of avian flu on P.E.I. was detected in a bald eagle in March, and hundreds of sick or dead seabirds were found washed ashore in the province over the summer.
"We knew that we couldn't take in birds because the virus was all over the island," de Bie said.
She said she is hopeful the university can raise enough money to expand the hospital so that wild birds can be admitted next spring. De Bie said creating extra isolation space with high-quality ventilation will be needed in the years to come because "avian flu probably will be around for quite a long time."
Veterinarians at the clinic continue to care for animals that are not birds, but de Bie said she and her colleagues have not been caring for as many animals as they normally are able to. Wild birds represent about 85 per cent of her department's caseload, and the veterinary college admitted about 425 wild birds in 2021.
De Bie said that with the fewer animal patients, her team has devoted time to research projects and public awareness campaigns, all "while trying to navigate the future of how we deal with avian influenza."
Staff have also kept busy working with the veterinary college's one resident wild bird: an eagle named 450 who has been in their care since October 2021.
The bird, who was the 450th animal patient in 2021, was presumably hit by a car and suffered head and spinal injuries. Thanks to surgery and rehabilitation at the veterinary college, 450 is recovering and will soon be moved to an enclosure at the animal rehabilitation centre Hope for Wildlife, in Seaforth, N.S.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 30, 2022.
This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.